Potter Steps Down as Assistant Coach

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State assistant men's golf coach Ryan Potter has resigned from his position in order to pursue other professional opportunities. In four seasons with Potter on staff, the Buckeyes qualified for three NCAA Regionals and made a run to the NCAA Championships match play portion in 2010-11 after finishing sixth in the 54-hole stroke play.

"I want to thank Donnie for the opportunity he gave me four years ago," said Potter. "I have learned so much at Ohio State and I truly enjoyed working together to help our student-athletes both on and off the golf course. At this time I am looking forward to pursuing other opportunities in intercollegiate athletics."

"I am very grateful for the time spent with Ryan," said head coach Donnie Darr. "He had a big impact on our program and our players. He has a tireless work ethic and is passionate about coaching. I wish him the very best as he moves forward in his coaching career."

Potter also aided Ohio State men's golf in earning an NCAA Public Recognition Award in 2013-14, given to programs scoring in the top-10 percent of the most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rates (APR). In addition, Buckeye student-athletes picked up 24 Academic All-Big Ten honors In Potter's four seasons in Columbus.

The 2013-14 team finished on a hot streak, earning four consecutive top-5 showings to wrap up the regular season before qualifying for the NCAA Columbia Regional. Then-junior Boo Timko was placed on the All-Big Ten Second Team for the second straight season. Timko also picked up PING All-Region honors for consecutive years, joined by freshman Frederik Hammer in 2013-14 with the help of Potter.

A national search for Potter's replacement will begin immediately.

Some of the greatest student-athletes and coaches collegiate golf has ever seen donned the Scarlet & Gray during their college years. The Buckeye men's golf program has produced 11 Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame inductees since Jack Nicklaus become the first back in 1977. Nicklaus is one of many Buckeye products to go on to the professional ranks.

Ohio State has a long history of elite coaches as well. Legendary men's head coach Jim Brown earned the Big Ten's highest honor as a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year honoree. He also registered National Coach of the Year laurels twice (1979, 1986). Robert Kepler left his mark, too, guiding Ohio State to the 1945 NCAA Championship and witnessing four Buckeyes seize NCAA medalist recognition under his tutelage.